Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41904887›Full record

ArticleInternational dental journal2026

Virtual Simulation Versus Traditional Training for Orthodontic Bracket Positioning: A Pilot RCT.

Danlin Lai, Baoliang Lai, Liang Xu, Xiaohong Huang

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in International dental journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Danlin LaiDepartment of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Stomatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Baoliang LaiQingkou Town Health Center, Minhou County, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
Liang XuDepartment of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Stomatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Xiaohong HuangDepartment of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Stomatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China. Electronic address: xhhuang@fjmu.edu.cn.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThe successful completion of orthodontic treatment largely depends on the accuracy of bracket placement. This study aimed to compare the impact of virtual simulation and traditional training on bonding, while also exploring student feedback regarding their learning journey.

methodsTwenty dental interns with no experience in orthodontics were randomly assigned either to a traditional training group (Group A) or a virtual simulation training group (Group B). Following their respective trainings, students placed orthodontic brackets on head-simulator models. Three-dimensional bracket deviations (mesiodistal, vertical, and buccolingual) from an ideal reference were quantified using the Geomagic Studio software. Participants' motivation and satisfaction were also assessed with the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) motivation and learning experience satisfaction questionnaires. Due to the non-normal distribution of the data, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between two groups.

resultsThe virtual simulation group had less deviation in bracket positioning in the mesiodistal and buccolingual directions than the traditional training group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in the vertical directions (P > .05). Furthermore, the virtual simulation group scored higher in all questionnaire domains, although most of the differences were not statistically significant.

conclusionWithin the limitations of this pilot study, differences in selected aspects of the accuracy of bracket positioning were found to be associated with virtual simulation training. The findings suggest that virtual simulation provides learning outcomes comparable to those of traditional training without compromising technical accuracy from an educational perspective. Adoption of this technology is a great addition to modern dental educational curricula. However, more research with larger sample sizes is necessary. With the pilot nature of the study and limited statistical power, the results must be treated with caution.

Indexed as

Computer SimulationEducation, DentalOrthodontic BracketsOrthodonticsSimulation TrainingVirtual RealityHumansPilot ProjectsRandom AllocationBracket placement accuracyDental educationOrthodontic bondingVirtual simulation

Identifiers

PMID41904887
PMCPMC13058975

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.